Cybercrime is more sophisticated and persistent than ever, putting small businesses at significant risk of attack. The new year offers a fresh start, and what better way to begin than by prioritizing your business’s cybersecurity? Below are seven actionable resolutions to help you protect your data, your customers, and your reputation in the coming year.
Learn to use AI assistants securely
AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Siri are powerful tools for small businesses. They can help with everything from drafting documents to scheduling tasks. However, using these tools can also introduce potential security risks, such as data leaks or exposure of sensitive information.
To mitigate risks:
- Never process confidential business information through an AI assistant.
- Use secure networks when accessing AI assistants.
- Regularly monitor and restrict data sharing settings.
Switch to passkeys
Traditional passwords are becoming a thing of the past. Passkeys — a new, highly secure alternative — eliminate the need for memorizing passwords. They rely on advanced biometric or device-based authentication, which greatly reduces the risk of hacking.
Switching to passkeys is simple. Platforms such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft now offer passkey options that sync across devices. Enable this feature wherever possible to level up your security.
Find and replace outdated passwords
Despite the rise of passkeys, passwords still play a vital role in online security. It’s important to audit and change old passwords regularly for maximum protection. Ensure your passwords are strong by following these best practices:
- Use a unique combination of letters, numbers, and special characters for each password.
- Avoid using dictionary words or easily guessed phrases.
- Enable multifactor authentication wherever possible.
Learn how to spot deepfakes
Deepfakes are AI-generated videos, audio, or images that are used to deceive individuals and organizations by convincingly replicating real people. From business scams to fake video calls, these tricks are on the rise, making awareness key.
To spot deepfakes and avoid falling for related scams:
- Watch for unnatural blinking or poorly synced lip movements.
- Use reverse image searches or deepfake scanners to verify content.
- Stay skeptical of urgent requests delivered through videos or strange behavior in calls.
Use encrypted messaging apps
Not all communication apps are built with privacy in mind. Using platforms with end-to-end encryption ensures your conversations remain secure. Look for apps with robust privacy policies, and ensure they don’t store the content of your conversations.
Set aside time for regular backups
Data loss, from hard drive failures to ransomware, is an all-too-common scenario for small businesses. The solution? Regular backups.
Dedicate some time every month to back up your critical business data. Use cloud-based services along with physical data storage options for redundancy. Remember the 3-2-1 backup strategy:
- Keep three copies of important files.
- Store them on two different types of media.
- Keep one copy off site or in the cloud.
Enter your credit card number less often
Each time you input your credit card details, there’s a risk it could be intercepted by hackers. Minimize exposure by:
- Using virtual card numbers provided by your bank or payment apps.
- Sticking to trusted payment portals such as PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
- Saving payment details only when absolutely necessary.
These practical resolutions can help you stay ahead of evolving threats while protecting your business and reputation. Start small, pick two or three habits to implement today, and watch how your confidence grows in 2025.
Get in touch with our cybersecurity experts for more specific guidance on protecting your digital assets.